Patong –
Police in Patong are investigating a disturbing incident in which a local tuk-tuk driver was allegedly drugged and robbed after being asked to sample coffee by a mysterious woman.
Patong Police told the Phuket Express that the victim, identified as Mr. Somnuek, a tuk-tuk driver operating in the Patong area, picked up a female passenger around 9:00 p.m. on June 4th. The woman, described as Thai and wearing a hat to conceal her face, hired him to drive to Karon for a video recording. Afterward, he returned her to the vicinity of Kalim School in Patong.
At that point, the woman offered him coffee, claiming she was preparing to start a business selling the beverage and wanted his opinion on the taste. Shortly after drinking it, Mr. Somnuek reportedly felt drowsy and lost consciousness.
When he awoke, he discovered that his gold necklace and bracelet, weighing approximately five baht and valued at over 300,000 baht, along with his mobile phone, were missing.
Police Lieutenant Sakwanat Damcha-om of Patong Police Station received the emergency call at 5:47 a.m. on June 5th. Good Samaritans had already assisted the victim, who was found disoriented near the Kalim Beach tuk-tuk stand, and transported him to Patong Hospital.
Investigators have recorded the victim’s statement, though he remains in a confused state. Authorities have requested blood tests to determine whether he was drugged with narcotics or other substances. Meanwhile, officers are reviewing CCTV footage in the area to identify and locate the suspect.
